Compilation is the process of transforming human-readable source code into machine-executable instructions, like turning a novel written in English into a series of grunts and clicks that a computer can understand. It's a necessary evil, kind of like going to the dentist or attending yet another meeting that should have been an email.

How to use it in a sentence

• I can't push my brilliant code to production yet because compilation is taking forever, like waiting for a sloth to cross the street.

• The new hire broke the build again, causing compilation errors left and right - time to break out the Nerf guns and teach them a lesson about messing with my perfectly crafted codebase.

If you actually want to learn more...

• Language Workbenches: The Killer-App for Domain Specific Languages? - This article dives into the world of language workbenches and how they revolutionize the relationship between editing and compilation. It's like learning about the secret underground society of code wizards.

• Parser Generators - Explore the thrilling world of parser generators, the unsung heroes of compilation, through Martin Fowler's series of "Hello World" examples using various tools like Antlr, Cup, Racc, and SableCC. It's like a choose-your-own-adventure book for masochistic developers.

• Compiler Construction - If you really want to geek out, this Wikipedia article covers the nitty-gritty of compiler construction, from lexical analysis to code generation. Fair warning: reading this might cause you to start muttering about abstract syntax trees in your sleep.

Note: the Developer Dictionary is in Beta. Please direct feedback to skye@statsig.com.